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They're about the same size - Apple's is the newer technology.
Does anyone have a view as to which sounds better, on the published specs, or having heard both?
I've had a pair of BeoLab 3s for years now, and love the look and sound; but am considering replacing with a pair of HomePods (better interface, no need for that ugly plastic box for wireless).
Full disclaimer: I haven't heard the HomePod, and likely won't be ordering one for a while.
Having owned a pair of Beolab 3 speakers, I have to say unequivocally that I doubt the HomePod will come close to the quality and imaging of the sound (even with two in a stereo pair) of a pair of Beolab 3 speakers. I doubt anyone would disagree.
I'd get a Sonos Connect and hook up your BL3 speakers to that if you want to have the best SW and audio experience for accessing your music library. I think anyone who is happy with a pair of B&O speakers will be disappointed with the sound of the HomePod. But if you are willing to sacrifice sound for an interface and ecosystem that you're already a part of, I think it'll have a pretty decent market.
Got the HomePod today - airplaying music alternately between it (single) and (on the other side of the room) two BeoLab 3s in stereo, but right next to each other (my Living Room is in flux)...and, I don't know...
I'm no expert, but the HomePod sounds more precise, clearer, with better separation between elements...but, the BL3s sound fuller, more mature somehow, though muddier.
It isn't a fair competition because it's two vs one (if I replace the BL3s with the HomePod, there will be two of them by then), because I don't have much experience listening out for audio detail, and because they're in different parts of the room.
V interested to hear other opinions, as not yet sure enough of my own.
I have read reviews where the "stereo" sound with a pair of Homepods sounds different than "stereo" that we're all used to. Haven't experienced this myself, but I think we all may be comparing apples / oranges; pardon the pun. I still contend that traditional stereo should sound better on a pair of Beolab 3's than two Homepods.
1. I use Geoff’s excellent article for my tests - have a read - test the BL3s in stereo and then the single HomePod http://www.tonmeister.ca/wordpress/2014/03/20/bo-tech-a-day-in-the-life/2. Yes Sal is right Apple is saying two HomePods are not the traditional Left and Right stereo as we know it (nor Home B&O has implemented their Bluetooth stereo paring) — rather the two speakers will know of each other’s presence and cooperate within s room ! Maybe it’s technology like the algorithms in the BeoSound Shape ? Who knows ? And probably we never will !Got the HomePod today - airplaying music alternately between it (single) and (on the other side of the room) two BeoLab 3s in stereo, but right next to each other (my Living Room is in flux)...and, I don't know... I'm no expert, but the HomePod sounds more precise, clearer, with better separation between elements...but, the BL3s sound fuller, more mature somehow, though muddier. It isn't a fair competition because it's two vs one (if I replace the BL3s with the HomePod, there will be two of them by then), because I don't have much experience listening out for audio detail, and because they're in different parts of the room. V interested to hear other opinions, as not yet sure enough of my own.
I have read reviews where the "stereo" sound with a pair of Homepods sounds different than "stereo" that we're all used to. Haven't experienced this myself, but I think we all may be comparing apples / oranges; pardon the pun. I still contend that traditional stereo should sound better on a pair of Beolab 3's than two Homepods.
Is stereo pairing of HomePods available to anyone yet? I thought that Apple stated that this was available later this year. I've read several reviews but haven't read any that have stereo pairing working yet. Do you have a link to one?
Hi Mark
all the "stereo" reviews I have read have been when Apple has been demonstrating it; so those were demos in the US and the UK, and the articles came out in the previous fortnight,
I am not aware of any reviews of loan units being a pair operating in stereo mode.
And yes, "stereo" is to come later - I assume when AirPlay2 arrives 🙁
Got the HomePod today - airplaying music alternately between it (single) and (on the other side of the room) two BeoLab 3s in stereo, but right next to each other (my Living Room is in flux)...and, I don't know...
I'm no expert, but the HomePod sounds more precise, clearer, with better separation between elements...but, the BL3s sound fuller, more mature somehow, though muddier.
It isn't a fair competition because it's two vs one (if I replace the BL3s with the HomePod, there will be two of them by then), because I don't have much experience listening out for audio detail, and because they're in different parts of the room.
V interested to hear other opinions, as not yet sure enough of my own.
At least from what I understand they are not so far in sound quality. Different experience... but does it justify the huge price difference between Apple and B&O. I like very much the design of B&O but again not anymore for 10 times the price and with a bad after sale service.
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